This black milkshake is a fun twist on the classic treat! Made with creamy vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and a hint of food coloring, it’s a spooky and sweet delight.
Perfect for Halloween or just a quirky dessert night! I love topping it with whipped cream and some sprinkles—it makes the milkshake even more festive and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the main base of your milkshake. You can swap it with chocolate or any other favorite flavor if you want a different taste.
Whole Milk: It adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk to keep it dairy-free.
Black Cocoa Powder: This gives that deep black color and chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, but keep in mind it won’t be as dark.
Activated Charcoal Powder: This is mainly for color. If you’re unsure about using charcoal, you can skip it altogether; the cocoa will still give a great look.
Black Sugar or Crushed Oreo Cookies: These make the rim of the glass extra special. Any crushed cookie or colored sugar can work. Try different flavors to make it your own!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Milkshake?
The key to a milkshake with the perfect texture is balancing the ice cream and milk. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold ingredients. This keeps the milkshake thick.
- Blend on low first, then increase to high. This helps combine everything without melting the ice cream too quickly.
- If it’s too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- For an even creamier texture, blend for a few extra seconds but be careful not to over-blend, or it will become too thin.
With these tips, you can create a black milkshake that’s both cool to look at and rich in flavor!

How to Make a Delicious Black Milkshake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp black cocoa powder (for deep black color and chocolate flavor)
- 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder (edible, for rich black color)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Black sugar or crushed Oreo cookies (for rimming the glass)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Cherry (for garnish)
- Chocolate or black syrup (for drizzling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This black milkshake can be prepared in just about 10 minutes. It’s quick to make, but you’ll want to serve it immediately for the best taste and texture. So, get ready to enjoy this beautiful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by preparing your glass. Moisten the rim with a little milk or simple syrup. Then, dip the rim into black sugar or crushed Oreo cookies, pressing lightly to coat evenly. This adds a fun touch and looks amazing!
2. Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, black cocoa powder, activated charcoal powder, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and you achieve a lovely deep black color.
3. Pour the Milkshake:
Carefully pour the milkshake into your prepared glass, trying to keep that beautifully coated rim intact. This step really makes a difference in presentation!
4. Add the Toppings:
Now for the fun part! Top your milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Drizzle chocolate or black syrup over the whipped cream to make it even more delicious.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish it off with a bright red cherry on top for a classic touch. Serve immediately with a striped black and white straw for a fun look!
And there you have it! Enjoy your striking and deliciously creamy black milkshake—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Regular Cocoa Powder Instead of Black Cocoa Powder?
Yes, you can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, but keep in mind it won’t give you the same deep black color. The flavor will still be good, but the appearance will be lighter.
Can I Omit the Activated Charcoal Powder?
Absolutely! The activated charcoal is primarily for color. If you’re not comfortable using it, you can simply skip it, and your milkshake will still taste amazing.
How Can I Store Leftover Milkshake?
It’s best to enjoy the milkshake fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, blend again to restore the creamy texture!
Can I Make This Milkshake Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free version made from almond or coconut milk and use a plant-based milk instead of whole milk. It will still be delicious!



